Chapter 41

Clare slowly walked up the stairs as the train of her gown dragged behind her. Her arms swung by her side as she slowly lifted one hand and pulled out the hairpin Adeline had made her wear. Lustrous chocolate brown blocks fell down her back as she climbed the steps.

"Your grace," Vivian bowed her head as she spotted the princess at the top of the stairwell.

"Vivian," Clare looked straight ahead. "I have a headache. Please don't let anyone disturb me this evening. I would like to be left alone."

"Certainly, your grace," the older woman nodded. "Would you like for me to bring you some medication?"

"No, thank you," Clare shook her head. "I just need some sleep."

"I'll close the windows in your room. The band is quite loud."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Please close all the windows."

Vivian turned on her heels and headed towards Clare's room. The Princess however stood where she was and turned to look over her shoulder.

A pretty woman with dark hair and a long neck walked past the foyer, unaware of the girl watching her from afar.

"Hello, Sofia," Clare said, startling the councilwoman.

"Oh!" Sofia jumped slightly. "Hello, Clare. How are you? You looked beautiful at the wedding."

"Thank you," Clare smiled.

"Are you quitting the party already?"

Clare slowly walked back down the stairs. Her gray eyes watched the pretty face of the woman in front of her before letting them travel to the necklace around her neck.

"Don't you ever take that off?" She asked.

Sofia followed her eyes to the necklace. She pulled the little glass pendant out from beneath her dress and held it in her palm. The radiant blue glow of the glass sparkled against Clare's gray eyes.

"No," Sofia said looking down. "I never take it off. You know who's inside, don't you?"

"Yes," Clare nodded her head. "My mother told me his name."

"As long as she's in here, we never have to worry about him ever again," Sofia smiled.

"Hmm," Clare sighed.

"Are you sure you don't have more party energy left in you?" Sofia raised a brow.

"I'm sure," Clare laughed as she shook out her hair. "I need a nap."

"Then off you go sleeping beauty, see you later."

"Bye, Sofia," Clare kissed her cheeks. "It was nice seeing you."

"Bye, sweetheart," Sofia patted her shoulder.

Clare picked up her dresses and climbed back up the stairs. She hurried off to her room and found Vivian getting her bed ready for her.

"Thank you," Clare said as she unhooked her dress.

Vivian rushed forward and undid the back buttons. She helped Clare slip out of the heavy gown before she carried it off. Clare walked into her closet and pulled on a clean set of pajamas before she climbed into her soft bed.

Bits of sunlight peeked through the heavy dark curtains. They were like rods of gold stabbing through the darkness, glittering with small bits of floating dust and pollen. From the safety of her bed, Clare watched the pollen dance like ballerinas in the air. She had begun to chew on her bottom lip as a strange pressure started to rise in her chest. Closing her eyes tightly, Clare called to sleep, but her mind was much too awake.

After several long dragging minutes, Clare threw the covers off of herself. She gently placed her bare feet down on the soft rug as her hands lifted up. The fingers on her right hand moved as if she played the piano as a portal ringed in red appeared in front of her. With one last sigh, Clare got off her bed and stepped through.

The sudden change from her dark room to the brightly lit prison cell made Clare throw her hand up and shield her eyes. She felt her portal close behind her as a voice spoke up in the room.

"What are you doing here?" Dean asked as he got up from the edge of his bed. "Guards!"

Clare stared at him and blinked. She didn't understand why he was feeling so agitated.

"Guards!" Dean called again.

"They're asleep," Clare informed the man. "They can't hear you. I put them to sleep."

"Why are you here?" Dean turned around to face the thirteen year old girl standing in front of him in pink pajamas and messy brown hair. "You came to mock my life sentence?"

"No," Clare shook her head.

"I saw you at the trial," Dean snared.

"And?"

"You're all the same. Monsters."

"I'm not a monster," Clare said with a frown. "You are the monster."

Dean narrowed his eyes at the girl, "Where are your parents?"

"They're at the wedding."

"What wedding?" Dean asked, a bit surprised.

Clare smiled as she felt his disappointment. But as soon as it laced with hatred, she frowned.

"Don't worry," she said. "Ella didn't get married."

"Don't say her name," Dean spit. "She's dead to me."

"How can a man like you raise a daughter like Ella?" Clare tilted her head.

"Maybe she is like me, you just don't know her true colors yet."

"You're words can't fool me," Clare shook her head. Her calm demeanor and her soft spoken voice made Dean think she was much older then she really was. He glared at her as she looked around the cell.

"I know what Ella is like," Clare continued. "She will make a great queen one day. I came here to thank you today."

"Thank me?" Dean laughed.

"Yes," Clare said. "I know it's strange. But if you hadn't done what you did then she would have never broken out of that cage you put her in. she would have never learned to use her wings."

"Listen, kid," Dean rolled his eyes. "I don't want to hear this bull shit. Get outta here."

"Maybe if you felt her pain you too can break free of this cage,"

"Okay, enough talk. Now leave, mutt," as Dean spoke he took a step forward.

But suddenly, his feet locked as an agonizing torment of grief and helplessness came over him. He clutched his chest as his heart felt as if it were dissolving into nothing, leaving behind a hollow empty shell. His breathing labored as he sank to his knees and began to weep. His mouth opened and closed in silent words as he looked around for help.

Clare slowly sank to the floor and sat down in front of him. She crossed her legs and stared at him as he cried and laid on the floor. She waited and counted the seconds before he grabbed his right hand and started to scream.

Dean screamed and screamed for hours. No one came to help him. No one heard him. He started at Clare with desperation in his eyes as the girl sat on the floor peering at him.

"And to think Ella endured all this on her own," she said quietly. "You have no idea how powerful your daughter is."

Dean laid on the ground as he was hit storm after storm with raging emotions of pain, loss, grief, loneliness, desperation. Tears poured out of his face as raging rivers as he shivered.

"She will never be hurt ever again," Clare said as she slowly rose to her feet. "Her heart will be filled with love and the pain you left behind will be drowned. You will disappear. There will never be any space for you in her life ever again."

"No, no," Dean shook his head. "I...Ella...."

Clare opened her portal as she took one last look at Dean crying on the floor. She took a second to memorize the look on his face before she slipped back into her room. Quietly, she climbed into bed and dug herself under her cover.

In the darkness, Clare's heart beat slowly returned to normal as she laid still in bed counting the seconds. Her mind started to relax as she played with the red mist coming out of finger tips. The soft glow illuminated her face as she bent the mist to form strange ancient symbols that had been coming into her mind.

After many hours, as she laid awake in bed filling her whole room with ancient red writings, she heard her father's footsteps coming down the hall. With a quick wave of her hands, the mist vanished into thin air, leaving behind no proof.

With a soft knock on the door, Owen poked his head inside.

"Princess?" he called.

"Yes?" Clare raised her head from her pillow.

"How are you feeling?" Owen walked over to the bed and ran a hand through her hair. "Did you take any medication?"

"No," Clare shook her head. "I feel better after my nap."

"Do you want to come back and join the party?"

"Maybe in a little bit."

"Alright, love," Owen kissed her head before he turned to leave.

"Dad,"

"Yes?"

"Thank you,"

"For what?" Owen asked in confusion.

"For being such a good dad," Clare smiled. "I don't say enough. But you really are the world's greatest father."

"What brought this on?" Owen laughed as he walked back to Clare. "Do you need me to talk to mom about something?"

"No," Clare rolled her eyes laughing. "I just wanted to tell you that I love you."

"And I love you," Owen sat down beside her and leaned back against the headboard. Clare moved closer to him and placed her head on his shoulder. She took his hand and sighed.

"I didn't think I would ever have this," Owen said after a few minutes.

"Have what?"

"This life. An amazing wife, three wonderful children.....I always thought it was for the lucky man. Not for me."

"But the faiths had a different plan, huh?" Clare smiled as she looked up at her father.

"They sure did," Owen laughed. "I wake up every morning and I think about you guys. I thank my lucky stars every night. Not a day goes by that I don't see our family picture on my desk and think to myself wow Radacovick, you lucky son of a bitch."

Clare giggled. She huddled closer to her father's side like a tiny chipmunk as he draped a protective arm over her.

"You're doing a good job," she gave her father a thumbs up.

"Thank you," Owen chuckled. "Your approval means a lot to me, princess."

"Did Adeline and Ben leave?"

"No," Owen shook his head.

"Did Eggs stop crying yet?"

"Absolutely not," Owen laughed. "I try not to laugh because I will be worse at your wedding."

"Oh please no," Clare shook her head. "You will embarrass me in front of my husband and his snooty family."

"How do you know they will be snooty?"

"They will be," Clare shrugged. "I have a feeling."

"Hmm," Owen smiled. "And I have a feeling that you need to come back to the party."

"I'm already in my pajamas," Clare pointed out.

"And you look beautiful as ever. Now, let's go."

"No," Clare tried to move away but Owen hopped off the bed and grabbed her feet. Clare laughed and giggled as her father put her over his shoulder as if she was still a little girl and began to carry her out of the room. She lifted her head and slowly moved herself onto his back.

"When was the last time I gave you a piggyback ride like this?" Owen laughed as he headed down to the back lawn with his daughter.

"I can't remember," Clare said, hanging on his back.

Owen secured her hold around his neck as he moved down the stairs and out the back doors. As he approached the party, Mavi and Maksim looked up.

The sun had set behind the trees. The chandeliers hanging from the branches lit up the celebration along with the many fairy lights. People had taken off their shoes and let down their hair as they all danced and drank pixie brew. Maksim rushed forward and swung Clare off Owen's back. She shrieked in protest as he spun her around and made her dance with him. Ella sat between Piper and Cleo as she clapped her hands to the beat and laughed. Owen appeared in front of her and took Cleo and Piper's hands. He pulled them onto the dance floor and spun the two little girls from his fingers.

"Mackey!" Clare laughed. "I'm getting dizzy! Let me go! Ella!"

Ella rose from her chair and went over for the rescue. She took Maksim's hand and moved him closer to her to allow Clare to escape. Maksim happily pulled his mate into his arms as they danced under the twinkling lights.

"Clare bear!" Adam suddenly appeared next to the princess. "Dance with me, pretty girl."

"Most certainly," Clare took his hand and followed him to the dance floor. She moved around to the fast beats as Adam held her hands up in the air. Piper and Cleo soon joined beside her and they all danced together as Maksim and Ella circled them.

The evening air was filled with love and happiness. Ben and Adeline danced for hours as their families celebrated around them. Clare looked around with happy eyes at the many smiling faces. She felt her heart sing happily as she soaked in all of their energy. There was no stopping the love tonight.

Clare danced endlessly with her sister and Piper before Maya pulled her away.She teased her about all the boys looking at her before Xavier asked Clare for a dance. She could tell her family was pleased to see her having so much fun. She wasn't one to regularly step out of herself. Mavi's heart hummed with delight as she watched her daughter. She looked at Owen and knew he was feeling the same.

"Dance with me, old man," Maya said as she appeared in front of Owen.

"Most certainly, Madam," Owen bowed before he took her hand and led back to the dance floor.

"Mom?" Maksim held his hand out for Mavi.

"No, I'm good, babe," Mavi shook her head. "Go get Ella before Caspian makes her dizzy for the next whole year."

"I can hear you," Caspian's voice carried over the music.

Mavi laughed as she spotted a very worried Ella in the merman's arms. She was trying to keep up with his steps, but he was too dramatic and quick for her. She spotted Toby laughing with Margo as they took a quick break from the celebration.

As Mavi sat in her chair watching her family having fun, she felt the presence of someone approach her.

"Pardon me, your highness," the Queen's guard said as she bowed her head. "I apologize for interrupting your evening."

"It's alright," Mavi said with a small smile. "Everything alright?"

"No, madam," the guard lowered their voice and took a step closer. "Dean Dunbar has hung himself in his cell."

Mavi took in a long sharp breath, "When?"

"A few hours ago, your grace."

"Where were the guards?"

"They were present. They swear they heard nothing."

"Alright," Mavi gave a small nod. "Thank you."

The guard bowed before she backed away and headed back to the palace. Mavi stayed in her seat as she silently opened her link to her council, Owen and Maksim. Within a matter of seconds, people started to move off the dance floor. An outsider would have never guessed what was going on. To them it simply looked as if they were taking a quick break.

Exton, Gemma, Caspian opened his link. You two stay. This is Adeline's big day, she needs you here. I'll go with Adam and Sofia.

I'll join you in a bit, Owen responded as he walked over to his wife. Maksim, I think you should take Ella upstairs.

Got it, Maksim said as he spun Ella in his arms.

I'll watch over Piper, Mavi said. Poor thing doesn't need to know any of this right now. Let her enjoy her evening.

As Everyone moved around, Clare's watchful eyes followed them. She measured everyone's reaction before turning her gaze to Ella.

The girl's baby blue eyes were lit up like stars as she danced with Maksim. Her hands were in the air as she swayed her hips to the beat of the music. Maksim watched her with a beating heart as he prepared himself. Clare danced with Maya and Rye as she watched her brother lead Ella off the dance floor and take her upstairs.

_____________________________

"Ella?" Maksim called to his mate as he knelt in front of her in their room.

"He's.....he's gone," Ella said in disbelief. "My....my papa...."

"I'm so sorry baby," Maksim rose to his feet and took a seat beside her on the bed. He pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back.

"Where....where's Piper?"

"She's with mom," Maksim said.

"She can't know yet...."

"Don't worry," Maksim kissed her head. "No one will tell her."

"Lily...does Lily know?"

"Dad called Charlie's family."

Ella nodded. She pushed her hair out of her face and looked up. Maksim patiently waited for her to react. He did not crowd her but he did not leave her feel alone either. He sat still beside her as her eyes moved around the room.

"Max," Ella finally settled her eyes on her mate. "I....I don't feel sad...."

The fear in her voice pulled Maksim closer. He moved his arm over her shoulder and he held her face with his other hand.

"What's wrong with me?" Ella's lips began to quiver. "Why....why do I feel.....relieved?"

"It's okay, you're okay," Maksim said as he guided Ella's head to his chest. She pulled him closer as she began to weep.

"My....my father is dead...." Ella said the words aloud. "But I don't....I don't feel..."

"Baby, you're overwhelmed," Maksim soothed her. "Give yourself time."

"I....I want to see him," Ella lifted her head.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now," Maksim frowned.

"What do I do?" Ella's mind and heart raced. She felt like a fish out of water, unsure of what to do with herself. It was almost as if her mind couldn't process what was happening.

"Right now, you just need to relax," Maksim said calmly.

"I...I can't relax,"

"Just try, babe. Please, you're not fully healed. Please don't stress yourself."

"When can I go see him?"

"In the morning," Maksim said. "Once Alec gives us the okay, I'll take you."

"Okay," Ella nodded. "Where's Mia and my mother?"

"They're at your house."

"Will they come here?"

"Only if you want them to."

"I don't think I want that."

"Then it won't happen," Maksim kissed Ella's head. "I'll go draw you a bath, okay?"

"Okay," Ella nodded.

Maksim paused for a second before he got up and walked to the bathroom. Ella was definitely in shock. He needed to hold her and keep her safe until she processed the news.

Once the tub was filled, Maksim went back to the bed and walked Ella to the bathroom. He slowly took her dress off before helping her into the tub. She followed silently. Maksim picked up the soft sponge and plunged it under water. He pulled it back out and squeezed the warm water down Ella's back.

Ella pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around her knees. She stared at nothing as Maksim continued to cover her with the warm sponge. After what Ella assumed was a long period of time, she felt Maksim pull her out and wrap her in a towel. Ella spotted herself in the mirror as Maksim went into the closet to get her some clothes. She peered into her baby blue eyes and wondered what was happening to her. Why was she not crying and sobbing? Surely, any daughter would not reach in such a way when she found out her father had just passed away.

Once Maksim had dressed Ella, she laid her down on the bed. He kissed her forehead and quickly changed out of his suit. When he was done, he walked back out into the room and found his mate sitting up in bed.

"Do you need something?" he asked as he walked over to her.

"No," Ella said, shaking her head. "I'm really tired."

"Go to sleep, please," Maksim begged her gently.

"Will you stay?"

"Of course," Maksim moved closer. "Where else would I go?"

"Come to bed," Ella lifted the covers for him.

Maksim quickly climbed in and turned the light off. Ella moved into his arms in the dark and glued herself to his side. Maksim felt her anxiety and fear run over his body. He pressed her closer to his chest hoping she would take as much of his calmness as she needed. He stayed awake and ran his hands through her hair as she slowly fell into a deep sleep.

Maksim, Owen opened his link to his son.

Yes? Maksim blinked in the darkness of his room.

He left her a letter. 

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